Charging a cell phone is something we all do every day. No big deal, right?

Wrong.

Home fires started by malfunctioning electric appliances and faulty wiring kill nearly 500 Americans each year and cause $1.3 billion in property damage. But many electrical fires can be prevented simply by following basic safe practices and being aware.

Early autumn is often considered the best time to plant a tree. But no time is a good time if you don’t have a plan and take precautions. Not only do dangers lurk for the person at planting time, but without a plan, a tree can cause problems for nearby power lines, people who rely on the power, and the longevity of the tree itself.

The use of drones has increased rapidly in the past several years. Coming in various sizes ranging from hummingbird to bald eagle, these remote-controlled aircraft are being used in a vast number of ways by government, industries, commercial enterprises and hobbyists.

It can be an exciting and exhausting time, the culmination of a season of hard work. However, the rush to harvest can also yield tragic outcomes. Each year, dozens of farm workers are killed and hundreds are injured in accidents involving power lines and electrical equipment.  

In 2016, more than 65,000 wildfires burned 5.4 million acres of land in the United States according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. The worst part? Many of these wildfires could have been prevented.

When the power goes out, so do Tipmont REMC’s line crews. Lineworkers are the first to respond after an outage occurs, and they work tirelessly to restore power to the communities we serve.

Tipmont's utility crews work in dangerous conditions each and every day. As we move into the cold winter months, these conditions are exaggerated by poor visibility and slippery roads. Slow down, pay attention and eliminate distractions when you're driving.

Follow some common sense to keep your Christmas tree fresh and electrical lights safe.

Few things signify the arrival of the winter holiday season than the hanging of lights inside and outside our homes. While these lights brighten the splendor of the season, they also carry safety risks. This infographic will help keep your family safe when decorating for the season.